Hollywood’s AI Dilemma: Editors and Artists Voice Concerns
In the glittering world of Hollywood, a new star is rising – but it’s not the kind that walks the red carpet. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its debut in the entertainment industry, and it’s causing quite a stir among the hardworking professionals behind the scenes. Editors and artists, the unsung heroes who bring movie magic to life, are increasingly concerned about the impact of AI on their careers and livelihoods.
Picture editors, who typically earn between $125,000 and $200,000 annually, are at the forefront of this technological revolution. They fear that AI could significantly reduce their workload, potentially transforming their full-time positions into electronic gig work. The emergence of advanced video-making software like Sora has only intensified these concerns, serving as a stark reminder of AI’s rapid progression in the field.
The Scope of AI’s Impact
A recent study has shed light on the extent of AI’s potential influence on the entertainment industry. It estimates that a staggering 62,000 entertainment jobs in California alone, and 204,000 across the United States, will be disrupted by AI within the next three years. The tasks most likely to be affected span a wide range of creative and technical roles, including 3-D modeling, character and environment design, voice generation and cloning, compositing, sound design, tools programming, script writing, animation, and rigging.
This looming threat has not gone unnoticed by labor unions. The Animation Guild, for instance, is leveraging the study’s findings to inform their bargaining strategies and protect their members from the potential fallout of AI integration. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has already approved a contract allowing studios to require employees to use AI technology, a move that has raised eyebrows and concerns among its members.
Industry Perspectives and Growing Tensions
Interestingly, a survey of 300 entertainment-industry leaders revealed a nuanced perspective on AI’s impact. These decision-makers expressed less concern about AI’s effect on writers and actors compared to other crafts like 3-D modeling and sound design. This discrepancy in perceived threat levels has contributed to growing tensions within the industry.
The AI debate comes at a particularly challenging time for Hollywood. The industry is already grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial strain of overspending during the streaming wars, ongoing labor disputes, and corporate mergers. The addition of AI to this mix has emerged as a significant source of tension, as evidenced by the recent writers’ and actors’ strikes. These labor actions successfully secured limitations and protections surrounding the use of AI in contracts with studios, highlighting the growing importance of addressing AI’s role in the entertainment landscape. As Hollywood continues to evolve, finding a balance between technological advancement and preserving the irreplaceable human touch in filmmaking remains a critical challenge for all stakeholders involved.